THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When Pope Francis declared Blessed Martyr Devasahayam a 'saint' within the Vatican, a fifth-generation member of the family of his was watching the moments on TV screens in Erode with tearful eyes and utmost delight.
Rajeshwari Amma, 78, is the oldest residing member of the household, named 'Elankam Veedu' at Nattalam in Marthandam, the place Devasahayam was born three centuries in the past in 1712. He was transformed to Christianity within the 18th century and the primary Indian layperson to be conferred sainthood. Rajeshwari Amma was born and introduced up in Elankam Veedu by listening to the tales of Devasahayam from her mom Saradamma, 94, who died not too long ago, and her grandmother Bhagavathi Pillai. A couple of weeks in the past, she moved to Erode to dwell along with her youthful daughter, Sreedevi, at her home close to Balaji Backyard.
"My mom and grandmother used to name him 'appooppan' and 'potty karanavar'. The time period 'potty karanavar' means a a lot respectable and eldest member of our household. I grew up listening to the tales about him and his shut relationship with the then Travancore king. He was multitalented and received the applause of the king a number of occasions. It was his resolution to turn out to be a 'Christian' that irritated the king," stated Rajeshwari Amma.
She additionally stated that every one the household, even now, was pleased with him as he was holding a outstanding place in erstwhile Travancore Kingdom and with the canonisation our delight rose additional.
"Our grandparents, throughout my appooppan's time, had been main an ultra-orthodox life and it was throughout a ceremony to worship our household goddess 'Bhadrakali', my grandfather got here to know that he was transformed to Christianity. In anger, he kicked a utensil and it hit the idol of the goddess. The idol of the goddess nonetheless stands slantwise, and one can see it on go to," stated Rajeshwari Amma.
She additionally stated that Devasahayam was very wealthy, and the household had owned hundreds of acres of land. "From Nattalam highschool to the opposite college within the west had been our property donated by the then king. It was some 40 years in the past, a missionary purchased all our property and even positioned a cross in our household temple. Now, we're landless and poor, however joyful that our 'appooppan' has lastly been honoured for all of the hardships he had confronted," added Rajeshwari Amma.
Rajeshwari Amma is the youngest among the many three daughters of Saradamma. The opposite two daughters died way back.